Easy Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry: A Weeknight Lifesaver

There’s something deeply comforting about the sizzle of beef hitting a hot pan—especially on those evenings when time is short, but hunger is big. This Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry has been my go-to rescue meal more times than I can count. Whether it’s after a long day of work or when the fridge seems bare except for a lonely head of cabbage, this dish never fails to come together beautifully. It’s quick, packed with flavor, and (bonus!) sneaks in plenty of veggies without anyone noticing. Even my pickiest eater clears their plate every time.

What You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients, and let’s turn them into something magical:

1 lb flank steak or sirloin – Thinly sliced against the grain for tenderness. If you’re in a hurry, ask your butcher to slice it for you!

1 small head of green cabbage – Shredded. It’s the unsung hero here, adding sweetness and crunch.
1 large carrot – Julienned or grated. For color and a hint of earthiness.
3 cloves garlic – Minced. Because what’s a stir fry without garlic’s fragrant punch?

1-inch knob of ginger – Grated. Fresh is best, but a teaspoon of ginger paste works in a pinch.
3 tbsp soy sauce – I use low-sodium to control the saltiness, but any kind will do.
1 tbsp oyster sauce – The secret umami booster! If you don’t have it, a dash of hoisin works too.

1 tbsp honey or brown sugar – Just a touch to balance the savory notes.
2 tbsp vegetable oil – For that perfect sear on the beef.
Red pepper flakes (optional) – If you like a little heat, sprinkle some in!

Green onions and sesame seeds – For garnish, because we eat with our eyes first.

Let’s Get Cooking

This stir fry comes together in under 30 minutes—faster than takeout! Here’s how to make it:

Prep your ingredients first. Stir fries move fast, so have everything sliced, minced, and measured before you turn on the stove. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

Marinate the beef. In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with 1 tbsp soy sauce and a sprinkle of black pepper. Let it sit for 10 minutes if you have time (it adds flavor, but no stress if you skip this step).
Heat the pan. Use a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add 1 tbsp oil and swirl to coat. When it shimmers, it’s ready.
Sear the beef. Add the beef in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid steaming). Let it get a nice brown crust—about 2 minutes per side—then remove to a plate. It’ll finish cooking later.

Sauté the aromatics. In the same pan, add the remaining oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir for just 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let them burn!).

At this point, your kitchen should smell incredible—garlicky, gingery, and deeply savory. Now comes the fun part: tossing in the veggies and bringing it all together. But we’ll get to that in the next part of the recipe… (stay tuned for the finishing steps and my favorite serving tips!)

Pro Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

This beef and cabbage stir fry is wonderfully adaptable to your tastes and what you have on hand. Here are some ways to make it your own:

Protein swap: Try ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead of beef for a different flavor profile.
Veggie boost: Add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots for extra color and nutrition.

Spice it up: A teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes will give it a nice kick.
Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
Time saver: Use pre-shredded coleslaw mix instead of chopping cabbage yourself.

What to Serve With Your Stir Fry

This dish is delicious on its own, but here are some perfect pairings to round out your meal:

Steamed jasmine or brown rice
Quick pickled cucumbers or carrots

Egg drop soup or miso soup
Crispy wonton strips for added texture
A simple green salad with ginger dressing

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers keep beautifully! Here’s how to store and reheat them:

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months (though the cabbage texture may soften slightly).

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cabbage?

Absolutely! Green cabbage works great, but you could also use Napa cabbage, savoy cabbage, or even bok choy. Just adjust cooking times slightly as some varieties cook faster than others.

Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

Yes! Simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

How can I make this dish more saucy?

Increase the sauce ingredients by 50% (especially the broth and soy sauce) and add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) at the end to thicken it up.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the beef for crumbled firm tofu or your favorite meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Final Thoughts

This easy beef and cabbage stir fry is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas and your belly with comfort. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the days ahead, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your rotation. The best part? Every bite tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, when really it comes together in a flash. Happy cooking, friends – may your wok always be sizzling and your cabbage always crisp!

Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Author: Trusted Blog

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and flavorful stir fry with tender beef and crisp cabbage, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pan or wok over high heat. Add beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan.
Add remaining oil to the pan. Stir-fry garlic for 30 seconds, then add cabbage and bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened.
Return beef to the pan and pour the sauce over. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes until everything is well coated.

Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

Notes

You can customize the seasonings to taste.

Easy Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe